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Behind Scenes at The Blind Muse Foundation

Todd attending a dragon boat practice. He has his paddle in the water. Other dragon boaters are smiling
Out of Sight Dragon team members pose for a photo

Dragon Boat Racing: Connecting Communities

Dragon boat racing is a traditional Chinese water sport dating back over 2,000 years. Teams of paddlers propel their boats in unison to the beat of a drummer, competing over distances of 200 to 500 meters. This sport, now internationally recognized, promotes teamwork, discipline, physical fitness, and cultural exchange.

The Out of Sight Dragons, an affiliated DC Dragon Boat Club team, comprises blind and visually impaired individuals, friends, families, volunteers, and partner organizations passionate about this ancient sport. They compete on equal terms in racing leagues, showcasing the capabilities and accomplishments of the blind and visually impaired to the general public.

The Blind Muse Foundation  had an opportunity to experience dragon boat racing with the Out of Sight Dragons. We will be sharing a documentary on this inspiring experience soon, highlighting the power of inclusive sports and the remarkable stories of those involved. Stay tuned for this exciting glimpse into the world of dragon boat racing and the community it fosters.

 

Revered Ray Raysor the moderator at a podium.
The Disability Forum Conference. People seated at large round tables that seat 10 individuals. All of the tables are full
Melba Taylor, a moderator at the Disability Forum.

The Disability and Blindness Forum 2023

The Disability and Blindness Forum 2023 was a significant gathering aimed at fostering understanding and support within the blindness community. The event began with an introduction by Rev. Ray Raysor, who also led the audience in prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Rene’ Sewell-Raysor, an audio describer, provided a vivid description of the room for attendees.

Rev. Raysor moderated the first panel, which introduced various agencies, providers, and services for the blind and low-vision community. This session highlighted the resources available to support individuals with visual impairments.

Author Janice Brooks then captivated the audience with a dramatization, followed by another round of door prizes.

The second panel, moderated by Melba Taylor, focused on “Life Without Sight—A Day in the Life of a Blind Woman.” This discussion provided personal insights and experiences, emphasizing the daily challenges and triumphs of blind women.

An exercise break led by Thalia Gee encouraged everyone to “Stretch It Out,” promoting physical activity. Poet Marjorie Grays then shared her work from “Heart Songs for a Fragile Planet,” and vocalist Monica Mooten performed a musical selection, adding artistic and emotional depth to the event.

Rev. Raysor returned to introduce the third panel, “Life Without Sight—A Day in the Life of a Blind Man,” offering a complementary perspective to the earlier session.

The forum recognized the efforts of the Disability Blindness Community Forum Committee and introduced Councilmember At-Large Calvin S. Hawkins II, who addressed the audience. More door prizes were distributed, and the blessing of the food marked the beginning of the lunch break.

The day concluded with fellowship and an opportunity to visit exhibitors, allowing attendees to connect, share experiences, and explore available resources. The forum successfully brought together the community, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

 
 

 

Unidescription and The Descriptathon

The Blind Muse Foundation is thrilled to have participated in the Descriptathon, headed by UniDescription for two years in a row and eagerly anticipates the next event. You may have heard about audio description, which makes TV programs, films, and other media accessible to blind and visually impaired people. However, its application extends beyond that, encompassing artifacts, paintings, landscapes, and printed publications. The UniDescription Project aims to bring audio descriptions to these areas.

Started in 2014 by Dr. Brett Oppegaard and Michele Hartley, the project focused on making National Park Service brochures accessible. They envisioned using mobile technologies to translate static texts into audio formats. Hartley provided hundreds of brochures to the research team, which sparked the development of the UniDescription (UniD) tool.       iOS App,    Android App.

This web-based tool produces audio descriptions in MP3 and HTML formats, accessible through screens and audio players.

The Descriptathon is a three-day, intense audio description event where more than 100 people from all over the world participate. UniD offers detailed descriptions for maps, landscapes, wildlife, and more, enhancing accessibility for blind and visually impaired individuals. The UniD apps, available on Google Play and the iOS app store, provide user-friendly access to these descriptions. UniD also offers training and resources for creating audio descriptions, fostering community engagement and accessibility.

The Blind Muse Foundation looks forward to continuing its involvement in this impactful event, contributing to the goal of making the world more accessible for everyone.

Take a moment to check out our part of the project.

 
 

First Aid Ally Dedicated To Make First Aid Education and Kits Accessible

First Aid Ally's co-owners Christine and Braden, both sit at opposite ends on the edge of a 6 foot table. In the center are first aid kits. Christine and Braden are dressed in navy blue scrubs with the first aid ally logo on the shirt.
Christine, sits next to Braden at a table. On the table Christine has a notes card in braille and Braden has a first aid kit in front of him.
First Aid Ally, on a zoom call, presenting first aid education to a group of blind and visually impaired seniors.

The Blind Muse Foundation has partnered with First Aid Ally, an organization dedicated to making first aid and emergency preparedness accessible for people with disabilities. Founded by individuals who have been blind since birth, First Aid Ally not only educates on CPR, First Aid, and AED through the Red Cross but also addresses the crucial gap in accessible first aid kits.

Mentorship, guidance, and assistance are pivotal in leveling the playing field for blind and visually impaired individuals in business. Through this partnership, The Blind Muse Foundation supports blind entrepreneurs by providing the tools and resources necessary for their success. Ensuring that first aid kits are accessible is just one example of how we can remove barriers and create inclusive environments. This collaboration not only enhances safety but also empowers blind and visually impaired individuals to thrive independently and confidently in their personal and professional lives. By advocating for accessibility and providing comprehensive support, we pave the way for a more equitable business landscape for all.

Connecting Communities Through Inclusive Collaboration

A book cover, An entrance to the Poetry Zoo, two young boys and a duck walking towards the inside.

Who's Who in the Poetry Zoo

Now available on Amazon

The Blind Muse Foundation is thrilled to partner with author and educator Anna Sheinberg to bring her debut book, “Who’s Who in the Poetry Zoo,” to life through engaging videos. In a groundbreaking move, blind voice actors have been hired for the voiceovers, showcasing the immense talent within the visually impaired community.

Creating opportunities for the sighted community to connect, collaborate, and include individuals with disabilities is essential for fostering an inclusive society. This project highlights the importance of embracing diversity and ensuring representation in creative and professional spaces. By hiring blind voice actors, we not only provide meaningful employment but also challenge stereotypes and raise awareness about the capabilities of visually impaired individuals.

Collaboration between sighted and visually impaired communities enriches both groups, leading to innovative outcomes and a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives. It breaks down barriers and encourages empathy, inclusivity, and mutual respect. Projects like “Who’s Who in the Poetry Zoo” demonstrate that when we prioritize inclusivity, we can create more vibrant, representative, and engaging content.

At The Blind Muse Foundation, we are committed to bridging gaps and creating platforms where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can shine. Through such initiatives, we pave the way for a more connected and inclusive world.

A National Night Out

The Blind Muse Foundation is excited to bring the vibrant spirit of local activities to the blind and visually impaired community. One such event is National Night Out, an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer and more caring places to live.

National Night Out is held on the first Tuesday in August (or October in Texas and select areas), drawing millions of neighbors across thousands of communities in all fifty states, U.S. territories, and military bases worldwide. The event enhances relationships between neighbors and law enforcement, fostering a true sense of community. It’s a wonderful opportunity to unite police and residents under positive circumstances, celebrating with block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts, and a variety of other community events. Safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, and visits from emergency personnel are just a few highlights.

Through our initiative, The Blind Muse Foundation films these lively activities, ensuring the blind and visually impaired community can experience and participate in these enriching events. By sharing these experiences, we aim to broaden the participation of blind individuals in local community events, promoting inclusivity and connection. Together, we can create a more inclusive and engaged community for all.